N’Zogbia has had to settle for a place on the bench along with Darren Bent and Shay Given in recent weeks as Lambert looks to hit upon a winning formula.

The trio are among the club’s highest wage earners, but the new manager insists he bases his selection criteria on performances rather than pay packets.

And N’Zogbia admits Lambert’s policy means Villa’s biggest names must raise their standards and get used to competing for their places with lesser-known team-mates.

“He has his way of playing, he has his team in his head. I would say it’s good,” said N’Zogbia. “It’s not about money, how many games you’ve played, international appearances.

“If he thinks you are not good or fit enough to play at the time you have to stick to it and work harder.

“It is good to have a manager like this. Sometimes in the past you could have a bad game and know in your head you were still going to play.

“But when you know you have a bad game then you don’t play, it makes you think, it makes you work harder.

“Everybody knows if you play a bad game the next game you might not play. It is the best way to play.”

N’Zogbia could consider himself unlucky to lose his place after impressing and scoring in the Capital One Cup win at Manchester City, but he accepts Lambert’s decisions.

“I played against Manchester City and that was a game I enjoyed,” he said. “You could see I was having a good time.

“Whether I play more is down to the manager. I played well against Man City, but a few days later against West Brom I was on the bench.

“But that is the manager’s choice and I have to accept that, I can’t argue about it if it is what is best for the team. As long as I am involved and we have a good line of communication then there is no problem.

“If I am not in the starting line-up I am not going to his room and say ‘why am I not playing?’ because the manager is in charge.

“When I am on the pitch I will do my best for the team and make sure I take my chances.”

Bent’s omission has sparked rumours about the record signing’s future, but N’Zogbia claims his team-mate is a “fighter” and will continue to work hard to win back his place.

“What Darren has to do is when he plays he has to show a reaction.

“Darren Bent is a fighter, this will not be a problem for him.

“Maybe he’ll miss one game and be on the bench but when he starts playing he’s going to score.

“The manager will decide. It’s not a problem.

“If there are more than 30 games you’re not going to start them all.

“We’re not like machines, there’s a big squad.

“As long as you’re No.1 for the manager in his head then you’re okay.

“For me, Darren is not a problem, he’s normal. He’s the same in training, if he doesn’t start a game he’s the same.”